Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Sichuan province with these mind-blowing Cold Noodles with Sichuan Dressing! Imagine a dish that combines the perfect balance of heat, tang, and refreshing coolness - a symphony of flavors that will make your palate dance with excitement. Whether you're looking to beat the summer heat or craving an explosive taste adventure, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Sichuan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan chili oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 8 oz of noodles, Sichuan chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, cucumber, carrot, chopped peanuts, and cilantro.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the noodles of your choice and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes, until al dente.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Sichuan chili oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold running water to cool them down and stop the cooking process. This will also help to remove excess starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled noodles. Pour the prepared Sichuan dressing over the noodles and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the noodles are well coated.
- Next, add the minced garlic, julienned cucumber, and julienned carrot to the noodles. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.
- To serve, divide the cold noodles among four plates or bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy your Cold Noodles with Sichuan Dressing as a refreshing appetizer or a light main dish!
Tips
- Noodle Selection: Choose noodles with good texture - wheat, rice, or even buckwheat noodles work wonderfully. The key is to cook them al dente and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Chili Oil Magic: Use a high-quality Sichuan chili oil for authentic flavor. If you're heat-sensitive, adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Prep Ahead: You can julienne the vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance, making this a perfect quick meal for busy days.
- Garnish Game: Don't skip the chopped peanuts and cilantro - they add crucial texture and freshness to the dish.
- Chill Factor: For an extra refreshing experience, you can refrigerate the dressed noodles for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Customization: Feel free to add protein like shredded chicken or tofu to make it a more substantial meal. Pro tip: The secret to this dish is in the dressing - make sure to mix it thoroughly and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
